Gum Disease Treatment Can Decrease C-Reactive Proteins

Background: Elevated levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) and decreased plasma adiponectin are associated with increased risk of atherosclerosis. Furthermore, recent observations suggested that adiponectin and tumor necrosis factor-a(TNF-a a) suppressed each ) other’s production. Since periodontal disease has been suggested to act as a risk factor for atherosclerosis, we examined the effects of antimicrobial periodontal treatment on CRP, adiponectin, and TNF-a levels.

Methods: Fifteen chronic periodontitis patients with various systemic conditions at high risk for atherosclerosis were enrolled in the study. Patients were non- nonsurgically treated with surgically topical application of antibiotics and mechanical debridement of calculus once a week for 1 month. Before and after therapy, CRP, adiponectin, and TNF-a levels were measured.

Results: Both CRP and TNF-a levels wer were signifi- cantly decreased after treatment (P <0.01 and P <0.03, respectively), while adiponectin levels did not change significantly.

Conclusions: Periodontal treatment is effective in reducing CRP and TNF-a a, while adiponectin does not , appear to be influ influenced by enced periodontal treatment. Elevated levels of CRP and TNF-a may be associated with increased risk for future development of atherosclerosis in periodontitis patients.